Arsenal’s transfer hustle this summer is showing no signs of slowing down, with the North London giants now reportedly working to offload a player who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. The move, if successful, would open the door for Crystal Palace’s showstopper Eberechi Eze — a player long admired at the Emirates. It’s a classic reshuffling: out with the misfires, in with the flair, as Mikel Arteta continues to mold his squad into title challengers.
After an already busy window that’s seen the arrivals of six fresh faces — including big names like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi — Arsenal’s leadership duo of Arteta and Andrea Berta still have their foot on the gas. Despite a disappointing preseason loss to Spurs, the broader picture is clear: they’re building something sharper, smarter, and more dangerous. And that means clearing space by parting with players who haven’t delivered.
One of the names being floated for a potential exit is Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira. Signed in 2022 from FC Porto with high hopes and a hefty £34 million price tag, Vieira simply hasn’t hit the ground running in North London. Injuries and a visible lack of self-assurance have kept him from reaching his potential. Arteta seems unconvinced, and Arsenal now appears ready to cut their losses.
German side VfB Stuttgart has reportedly entered the picture, initiating discussions over a permanent deal for the 25-year-old. While any sale would almost certainly come at a financial loss, Arsenal’s decision-makers seem willing to take the hit if it means clearing the deck for a marquee name like Eze. Sometimes, it’s about making room for the right puzzle piece, not squeezing in the wrong one.
Eberechi Eze, meanwhile, has been on Arsenal’s radar for over a year now. Though the Gunners didn’t pounce last summer, the club’s interest has intensified recently. The £68 million release clause in his contract is set to expire soon, which would allow Arsenal to negotiate without that financial anchor dragging them down. Once it’s gone, the chase can properly begin.
And what a player they’d be chasing. Eze had a thunderous 2024/25 campaign, racking up 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances — numbers that pop even more considering Palace’s mid-table status. He’s got flair, vision, and that rare ability to unlock games when everything else seems stuck. Arsenal fans dreaming of a more explosive attack might find their prayers answered if this deal goes through.
Beyond the league, Eze also lit up the FA Cup, scoring in each round from the quarters to the final. That kind of performance under pressure is exactly what Arteta covets. He’s not just a highlight reel — he’s becoming a leader, a game-changer, someone who steps up when it matters. And he’d slot beautifully into Arsenal’s fluid front three or advanced midfield.
On the flip side, Vieira’s numbers tell a gloomier tale. Across two seasons, just 13 goal involvements in 49 games is hardly the return Arsenal hoped for. Even back at Porto on loan, he didn’t bounce back, managing only 11 goal involvements in 42 games. While some still see flashes of brilliance, they’ve been too few and far between. Selling him might sting financially, but strategically, it could be a masterstroke if it unlocks the door for Eze’s arrival.
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